Station push

By Melissa Grant
OPPOSITION MPs and members of the community this week called for the construction on the Cardinia Road railway station to begin soon.
They have launched a petition calling on the State Government to start work sooner than the planned time frame of between 2011 and 2016.
Those living near the proposed station say that isn’t good enough and more than 100 people have already signed the petition.
Lakeside mothers Nic O’Hara and Lauren Clements both said they would use public transport more often if there was a railway station nearby.
Mrs Clements said it was difficult to catch the train from Pakenham with two young children in tow.
“What’s the point if you have to drive your car to Pakenham?” she said.
Carol Porter said she would use the Cardinia Road station as parking at the Officer station, the closest to her home, was poor.
“In the winter it’s atrocious because of the potholes,” she said.
Eastern Victoria MP Edward O’Donohue said it was ludicrous that the State Government wasn’t planning to begin construction for at least another two years.
“The reality – 2011 onwards – is out of the question.”
He said a station at Cardinia Road would benefit thousands of nearby residents, new and old.
“There’s 4000 people here already in Lakeside and they are well and truly selling Arena,” Mr O’Donohue said.“And what about Cardinia? They’re entitled to a station as much as anyone else. With families experiencing the effect of rising petrol prices a new station at Lakeside would be better for the local community and environment.”
Mr O’Donohue said it wasn’t just about getting people to the city. Better links were needed for residents that worked near the Pakenham railway station, he said.
Mrs Porter said she felt for the families who had been left stranded.
“Young families can hardly afford two cars these days – they can hardly afford one,” she said.
Those wanting to sign on to bring forward the station’s construction and opening date can do so at selected shops and outlets in Pakenham, Lakeside and Officer.